Bible Separation Day-To-Day

What Is Biblical Separation?

There is much debate about what is meant by “separation” within Christianity. We will find that the Bible speaks very clearly to this topic. If a person has been saved from hell (which is what all people deserve by nature) then God has made it clear as to what He expects from those who are destined to spend eternity in heaven with Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

For the most part I plan to simply let the Bible speak by listing Scriptures that discuss this subject so that it becomes very clear. From time-to-time I will give an example to offer further clarification.

To start the list of verses, it’s important to mention that if an unbeliever invites us out to an event like a dinner (given that it is not at a strip club) God does not preclude us from going “if we want to go” (1Corinthians 10:27). Other than this, though, there are prescribed details that the Holy Scriptures mention concerning how a believer should interact with those who are not followers of Christ and the Trinity. Let’s take a look.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals”. Become sober-minded as you ought… (1Corinthians 15:33)

“…those who do not acknowledge Jesus coming in the flesh (as God incarnate in human flesh- the God/man) is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2John 7).

Should a believer spend time in fellowship or prayer with someone who denies the Trinity and the Deity of Christ? The answer is no. Such a person is an antichrist.

The New Living Translation, which is an excellent “thought for thought” translation on most occasions, puts it very well. Here John the apostle says of those who do not bring the teaching of Christ and the apostles: “anyone who encourages such people becomes a partaker of their evil work” (2John 1:11). They are not to be encouraged at all.

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).

“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

Should a Christian spend days or weeks in fellowship outside of an employment relationship, for example, with someone who is openly a homosexual offender, a drunkard, or a fornicator who has perverted the gospel and who does not take seriously the message of Christ?

This verse tells us that a believer should point out sin and not be a partaker of it- this in the hope that the ones practicing it might repent. The next verse below tells us that we should expose sin with a spirit of gentleness. We are not called to water down God’s message, but where possible, we should try to be at peace with others. Once we understand God and his holiness and that we are no better than others, we should have a humble spirit…

“Pursue peace with all men and sanctification (or holiness) without which no one will see the Lord… that there be no immoral or godless person” (Hebrews 12:14-16).

Living a life without sanctification (or holy living) means that one’s ultimate destiny will not be heaven. It does not matter what previous experiences with God a person might have had. One time decisions don’t matter much. That’s why this writer does not believe in the “alter call” approach. That can be an emotional act or one based on peer pressure, lack of understanding etc.

“Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self condemned” (Titus 3:10-11). Those who are non submissive to the teaching of Christ, who are self willed and divisive, should be expelled from fellowship.

“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you… If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast and not moved away from the hope of the gospel… (Colossians 1:21-23)

This verse again is telling us that it does not matter what experience in salvation you think you had or might have actually had. You must persevere in your faith in order to be saved. If you haven’t been, it’s time to turn once more to Christ and repent.

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in due season…” (Psalm 1).